Kelly Olynyk, Phil Pressey prepare for second seasons with Celtics

At this time a year ago, Olynyk and Pressey were rookies getting their feet wet in the Orlando Summer League. Now, they have a year of NBA experience to fall back on with the summer league about to start.

WALTHAM – They were the new kids on the block one year ago when the Celtics took part in the Orlando Summer League.

Forward Kelly Olynyk was the 13th pick in the NBA Draft and guard Phil Pressey was a free agent looking to land a job.

Olynyk had a guaranteed contract while Pressey was attempting to make a favorable impression to get invited to training camp in the fall.

They were the Celtics’ two best players in the summer league and Pressey earned himself a contract and a roster spot.

Now, one year later, Olynyk and Pressey will again be playing for the Celtics when they open the Orlando Summer League by facing the Miami Heat on Saturday at 11 a.m. (CSN, replay at 8 p.m.).

“It feels like I was here in the same position yesterday they are (in now),’’ said Pressey of this year’s rookies.

Said Olynyk: “You’re still fairly new, but to those guys (on the team), you’re a veteran, the oldest guy here, the most experienced.’’

Olynyk was a solid contributor in his first season with the Celtics, averaging 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 47 percent, including 35 percent from 3-point range.

He improved as the season went along and was named to the NBA’s all-rookie second team.

Pressey served as a backup point guard and got to learn from Rajon Rondo. He appeared in 75 games, averaging 2.8 points and 3.2 assists.

Now, they are preparing for a second season in the NBA and the work continues with a five-game stint in Orlando, Florida.

“I think I was a little bit nervous, but more excited,’’ said Olynyk, recalling the summer league a year ago. “If you’re not nervous, then there’s probably something wrong with you.

“You’ve finally reached your goal in life. You have a little bit of nerves, but they shake off after a couple of minutes.’’

Said Pressey: “We’re all coming in and the game is going 1,000 miles per hour. Nobody really knows about the NBA game. Now we have four or five guys (on the summer league team) who played in the NBA, it’s going to help us tremendously. We can help each other out.’’

Olynyk has been working on his long-range shot this summer, trying to become a better inside-outside threat. He is also trying to improve his quickness.

“I want to make sure I’m as mobile as I can be, explosive and quick, agile, trying to get as strong as I can,’’ said Olynyk, who averaged 18 points and 7.8 rebounds in the summer league a year ago. “I’ve got a lot more confidence and I’m in the know in terms of what to expect. I’ve been through it all, so there’s no surprises.’’

Page 2 of 2 - Pressey is part of a crowded backcourt with the addition of No. 6 pick Marcus Smart, a point guard from Oklahoma State. That could mean less playing time for Pressey or even a battle for his roster spot.

“Competition just makes your team better,’’ said Pressey. “We’re trying to win. Competition is no problem for me.

“I feel great. I’ve just got to keep proving myself. I’ve had that chip on my shoulder since day one. It’s not going to change. I’m going to keep working on my game.

“Whenever you’ve got somebody in your position (drafted), you’re like, ‘What’s going on?’ But the more you compete, the more the team gets better. Every year somebody else is going to come in. You’ve got to keep working and keep getting better.’’

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.